Teacher Career Change Ideas – Policy Management

Transitioning from a teaching career to policy management can be a viable and rewarding option if you have a strong interest in influencing change.

Thinking about a career in policy management?

Transitioning from a teaching career to policy management can be a viable and rewarding option if you have a strong interest in public affairs, policy development and influencing change. With a pay range between 25-60K+, there are opportunities in policy management roles across a variety of industries and specialisms.

Let’s dive a bit deeper into the world of policy management and explore the day-to-day role and further opportunities, how to get there and why it might just be the right path for you …

So – what exactly is policy management?

Policy management is the process of developing, implementing, and maintaining policies within an organisation. It involves creating guidelines, rules and procedures to support company decision-making, actions and behaviour.

Policy management is crucial to ensure consistency, transparency, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, whilst also aligning with an organisation’s own mission and values. An effective policy manager will make sure that all policies are up-to-date, understood and followed by all stakeholders, contributing to the smooth operation and governance of the organisation.

Policy management might be for you if …

You’re an analytical thinker who enjoys problem-solving, critical thinking and conducting research.
You are a strong communicator and can convey complex information, both written and verbally, in a way that can be easily understood.
You have an interest in public policy, social issues and making a positive impact on society.
You enjoy strategic planning and can consider different perspectives and future implications.
You thrive in a team-oriented environment and are confident in building relationships with diverse stakeholders, negotiating and reaching compromises.
You have a strong sense of ethics and consider fairness, equity and well-being when making decisions.
You are adaptable and resilient, able to embrace new challenges and cope with evolving circumstances.

But what does a policy manager actually do on a daily basis?

The daily tasks of a policy manager can be diverse and vary based on an organisation’s size, sector and specific policy focus. Some of the common tasks and activities that policy managers may engage in are:

Policy Research and Analysis: Reviewing literature, analysing data and staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Policy Development: Drafting new policy documents (including outlining policy goals, defining scope and ensuring alignment with legal requirements) and revising existing ones.
Stakeholder Engagement: Working closely with government officials, industry representatives, community organisations and internal teams.
Policy Implementation and Communication: Overseeing the implementation of policies across an organisation. This could involve providing written guidance, conducting training and establishing feedback mechanisms.
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of policies by identifying gaps, evaluating compliance and making recommendations for improvements.
Collaboration and Coordination: Working across teams, such as legal and communication teams, to manage risk and communicate policy changes.
Policy Advocacy: Representing the organisation’s interests through participating in public hearings, contributing to working groups, developing position papers and engaging with policymakers.
Policy Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintaining accurate, up-to-date, organised and accessible documentation.

What should I consider doing if I’m thinking about getting into policy management?

If you are considering a career as a policy manager, here are some key steps to help you succeed:

Gain experience: Seek practical experience in government agencies, research institutions or charitable organisations. Consider engaging in volunteer or advocacy roles related to policy issues that interest you in order to demonstrate your commitment and dedication to a particular field.

Consider further training: Although certification isn’t a requirement of most policy management roles, you could explore online courses and training to demonstrate your relevant skills (such as in data analysis or research). OCEG also offers an Integrated Policy Management Professional (IPMP™) Certification.

Network and build connections: Networking is important for establishing and growing a career as a policy manager. Attend policy-related events to meet professionals in the field. Seek connections with experienced policy managers who may be able to provide guidance and advice through online platforms like LinkedIn. Join policy organisations linked to your field of interest (such as the Social Policy Association or the Science Policy Foundation International).

Develop communication skills: Effective communication is a key skill for policy managers. Through training and on-the-job experience hone your presentation and public speaking skills, as well as your ability to write clearly and concisely.

Stay informed and engaged: Policy landscapes are ever-changing so it is important that you stay informed on current affairs, policy debates and emerging issues relevant to your area of interest. Follow the news and research journals, engage in thoughtful discussions on social media, attend conferences and events, and participate in online webinars and workshops.

The path to becoming a policy manager may vary depending on the specific industry and organisation you are interested in. It’s essential to adapt your approach and stay proactive in seeking opportunities for growth and learning to find the best fit for you. Policy management can be a rewarding career in which you can be a part of real social change and improving future prospects.

What are the career development opportunities in policy management?

Here are some of the avenues for career development in policy management:

Specialisation - Policy managers can choose to specialise in policy areas such as healthcare, environmental policy, education, economic development or social welfare. This focus can enable you to develop deep expertise leading to more impactful roles within organisations.

Leadership and management - With greater experience and expertise, policu managers may progress into roles such as policy director, policy team leader or department manager where they can manage teams and shape organisational strategy.

Government and public service - Policy managers can work directly in policy roles within government departments, providing a unique opportunity to shape policy at a higher level and implement change on a broader scale.

International opportunities - With increasing globalisation and worldwide collaboration, there are opportunities to work for international companies or participate in global forums to collaborate with stakeholders from different countries and address complex global challenges.

Consulting - Policy managers can transition into consulting or advisory roles, within consulting firms or independently. This involves working with a variety of clients, offering expertise and strategic advice.

Academic and teaching roles - Policy managers can pursue teaching or research roles, contributing to the development of future policy professionals.

Advocacy and lobbying - For those passionate about influencing policy outcomes, a career in policy advocacy or lobbying could be an attractive option. Through this role, you can promote specific policy positions and influence decision-making.

Why do teachers make great policy managers?

You have tonnes of transferable skills including research, critical thinking, data analysis, communication, collaboration and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
You possess first-hand knowledge and experience with education systems, curriculum development and the challenges faced by educational institutions giving you a unique perspective in policy management roles focussed on education policy.
By interacting with policies and regulations on a daily basis, you already understand policy impact and the practical implications they can have.
You already advocate for your students and educational issues. Through working in policy management you can exercise your advocacy efforts on a much larger scale.
You have a demonstratable commitment to continuous learning and development which is crucial to the constantly evolving field of policy management.
You are used to overcoming challenges and being adaptable.

Offering a myriad of opportunities in different organisations and industries, teachers are well suited to a career transition into policy management. If you have a passion for research, analysis and making a positive difference in society, a career as a policy manager may be the perfect fit for you!